Chronic Back Pain and Neck Pain

Back Pain

Almost nine out of ten people will experience at least one episode of back pain in their lives, and back pain is the number one reason why people visit their doctor.

Back pain can be debilitating, and in many cases it forces the sufferer to give up activities they otherwise enjoyed. Many people are forced out of work, or require sick leave, due to chronic back pain.

Causes of Back Pain

The most common causes of back pain are stress, physical injury, improper lifting, and weak core muscles. Of course there can be other underlying causes, like spinal problems, that, without a thorough examination can be difficult to detect.

Back Pain Treatments

There are a few ways to treat back pain, and the cause and severity of the pain will determine the chosen treatment method. Pain medication will often be prescribed, together with inactivity and rest.

In cases where muscle weakness is the main contributing factor, some physicians recommend walking and other activities to relieve the pain. Muscle relaxers, cold packs, and hot packs are helpful to some patients, while traction and ultrasound treatments may be required for severe pain.

Surgery is only an option for some

Typically, surgery is considered a last resort for most back patients and is only effective in certain types of patients. Results are mixed with many patients experiencing little or no relief.

Thus, the risks of surgery must be wisely weighed against the probability of gaining a positive result.

A different approach – a measure of mesencephalic output

This unique, yet very effective method to determine the cause of back pain is based on the mesencephalon, which is found in the upper part of the brain stem. A thorough neurological exam is needed to determine if changes in mesencephalic output are contributing to the patient’s pain.

In many back pain patients, a high mesencephalic output may be a contributing factor. A high output of the mesencephalon can effect sleep, cause an increase in pulse and heart rate, touch off a urinary tract infection and cause increased sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the low back pain patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum (in the rear of the brain), which controls involuntary spinal musculature. If the cerebellum is not functioning as it should, localized back pain can appear near or around the spinal area.

If you would like to have more information or to set up a consultation and see how we can help you (or someone you know), with back pain, give us a call at 561-752-4646.

Want to dive deeper with our approach to healing chronic back pain? Click this button below and watch our back pain workshops.

Neck Pain

Caused by injury, infection, irritation or inflammation, neck pain can be quite troublesome and it’s important that you seek treatment before the condition worsens.

If gone unchecked, the natural forward curve of you neck may become straight or even reverse its curve which can cause a multitude of problems. Yours may experience bony growths (called “spurs”), thinning of the discs-even deterioration of muscles and ligaments can occur.

Because these changes are not always painful (or not painful enough to cause you real concern), it’s important that you have a thorough examination, including X-rays or an MRI exam if indicated.

For example, spurring, lipping, or the presence of osteoarthritis are in fact, defense mechanisms that attempt to stabilize an off-balance spine. The latest research and medical consensus shows that chiropractic (manipulative) care can reverse these effects in many patients.

The origin of neck pain

Pain in the neck, shoulder, hand, arm or head is often brought in three ways: irritation of the cervical nerve roots in the region of the intervertebral foramen, encroachment of the blood supply through the vertebral canal, or invasion of the cord in the spinal canal.

A neck injury, such as whiplash suffered in an auto accident, also can be the cause of these conditions even though neck pain may diminish over time.

Prevention and treatment of neck pain

For today’s neck pain patients, a new approach to treatment and prevention is showing great results. A thorough neurological examination often reveals a part of the nervous system that is not functioning properly. In the case of patients with neck pain, a high mesencephalic output may be part of the cause.

The Mesencephalon

Your brain stem is made up of three parts: the top, middle, and lower, with the mesencephalon located in the upper part of the brain stem. High mesenphalic output can cause increased pulse and heart rate, sensitivity to light, sleep problems, urinary tract infections or the sense of increase warmth or sweating.

The Cerebellum

Patients with a high mesenphalic output sometimes also show a decreased output of the cerebellum. Responsible for controlling involuntary spinal musculature (among other functions), the cerebellum, if not performing properly can contribute to neck pain and discomfort.

Neck pain (along with shoulder, hand and arm pain) is quite often a complex and difficult problem. That’s why it’s critical that you have a complete and thorough examination to help recognize the problems and chart the correct course for treatment.

Because the problems causing the pain may go unnoticed, it’s imperative to be examined as soon as possible.

If you would like to have more information or to set up a consultation and see how we can help you (or someone you know), with your neck pain, give us a call at 561-752-4646to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for these breakthrough procedures.